Empowering the Next Generation: Ericsson Girl Scout Alliance Event Inspires Young Women to Pursue STEM Careers

In the summer of 2024, Ericsson hosted its annual Girl Scout Alliance event, a day dedicated to inspiring young women to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The event, held at Ericsson's corporate office, brought together high school Girl Scouts for a day filled with learning, networking, and hands-on activities designed to ignite their passion for STEM.

The event kicked off with an introduction to Ericsson by Amy McCune, a senior leader at the company and a former Girl Scout herself. Amy shared her personal journey and emphasized the importance of STEM education, stating, "Tomorrow's STEM leadership starts today." She highlighted Ericsson's role in global connectivity through technologies like 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G, providing the girls with a baseline understanding of the company's impact on the world.

Following Amy's inspiring talk, the girls participated in a workshop on the Design Thinking process, a method used to create innovative solutions for challenging problems. The workshop included a warm-up exercise where the girls brainstormed ideas for designing a doorbell, encouraging them to think creatively and technically. The main activity involved tackling real-world problems, such as increasing the representation of women in STEM and boosting the number of female inventors holding international patents. The girls worked in groups along with facilitators from Ericsson’s Intellectual Property Rights & Licensing (IPR&L) group to brainstorm, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test their solutions, showcasing their impressive problem-solving skills.

One of the standout moments of the day was the networking session led by Dennis Smith, a Regional Head of Ericsson’s Talent Acquisition team. Dennis shared valuable tips on how to network effectively, including how to make impactful introductions and build confidence in professional settings. The girls then had the opportunity to put their new skills to use during a networking Fika, a Swedish-style coffee break, where they mingled with Ericsson employees from various engineering and business units. This session allowed the girls to practice their networking skills in a real-world environment, further boosting their confidence and professional abilities.

The event also included a tour of the Ericsson office, where the girls explored the facilities and enjoyed a break by the pond, complete with an opportunity to feed the resident turtles. This tour provided a glimpse into the corporate world and the day-to-day operations at Ericsson, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Towards the end of the day, Jay Tatachar, another organizer of the event and an attorney in Ericsson’s IPR&L group, spoke to the girls about intellectual property (IP). Jay explained the different types of IP coverage, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and discussed the importance of IP in protecting innovative ideas. He also highlighted career opportunities in IP law, encouraging the girls to consider this path as a way to stay involved in STEM. Jay's talk was particularly impactful, as it introduced the girls to a lesser known but vital STEM career option.

The event concluded with a debriefing session led by Technical Product Manager, Charla Brown, where the girls reflected on their experiences and shared their thoughts on the day's activities. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many girls expressing a newfound interest in STEM careers and appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.

Overall, the Ericsson Girl Scout Alliance event was a resounding success, providing young women with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue careers in STEM. The combination of engaging workshops, networking opportunities, and real-world insights made the event both impactful and memorable. With events like these, Ericsson is helping to pave the way for the next generation of female leaders in STEM, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Kate Duttera

ADAPT Communications Team